The royal carriage rumbled down the cobblestone road, its polished exterior a stark contrast to the tension within. Seraphina sat stiffly beside Lorenzo, her hands clenched in her lap. Outside, the palace walls faded into the distance, replaced by sprawling forests and the uncertain road ahead.
The journey marked the first step in their alliance—a visit to one of Lorenzo's territories. It was a show of unity for the public, but for Seraphina, it felt like another shackle.
"You're awfully quiet," Lorenzo remarked, his voice breaking the silence.
"What is there to say?" she replied, her gaze fixed on the passing trees. "I didn't ask to be here."
"And yet here you are," he said, his tone cool but not unkind.
She turned to him, frustration flaring in her chest. "Do you even care about this arrangement? Or is it just another transaction for you?"
His dark eyes met hers, unflinching. "I care about survival, Princess. And whether you like it or not, this arrangement is the only thing keeping your kingdom alive."
The weight of his words pressed down on her, but she refused to let him see her falter. "And what about your survival? What do you gain from this?"
He leaned back, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "That's for me to know."
The carriage jolted suddenly, and Seraphina braced herself against the seat. Lorenzo's hand shot out instinctively, steadying her. Their eyes met briefly before she pulled away.
The rest of the journey passed in tense silence until they reached their destination—a sprawling estate surrounded by high walls and guarded gates.
"This is one of your safe houses?" she asked, stepping out of the carriage.
"Something like that," Lorenzo replied.
As they entered, Seraphina couldn't shake the feeling that she was walking into a trap. The air was heavy with secrecy, and every shadow seemed to hold a hidden danger.
Lorenzo led her through the grand halls, his presence commanding even in silence. He stopped at a door and opened it, revealing a lavish room.
"This will be your quarters," he said.
"Quarters?" she echoed, her brow furrowing. "Are you planning to keep me locked up here?"
"You're free to roam," he said, a hint of amusement in his tone. "But I'd advise against wandering too far. This isn't the palace, Princess. Not everyone here is on your side."
She swallowed her retort, stepping into the room. As the door closed behind her, she released a shaky breath.
The weight of her situation settled over her once more. She was far from home, surrounded by strangers, and bound to a man she barely knew.
But as the night fell and the shadows deepened, she couldn't help but wonder—where was Kael?
And would he come for her?
TBC...